Obituary of John D Powers

John David Powers, of Long Boat Key Florida, died Saturday February 28, 2015 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Barbara, his wife of 56 years was by his side. Mr. Powers was born on September 5, 1933 in Salisbury, Connecticut to parents Mary Olivia Miner and Harlan Walter Powers. Along with his brothers Bill and Tom and sister Louise, the family moved to Chatham, New Jersey. Graduated from Chatham High School in 1951 where he was a four year Varsity soccer player, he went on to join the Marines. He was a soldier in the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Regiment of the First Marine Division in the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during an attack on his platoon in 1954. Shortly after returning from Korea, he met the love of his life Barbara Hutchinson. They were married a few weeks later and remained married until the time of his death. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this September. In 1966, with the help of brother-in-law Tom Kertesz, Mr. Powers founded a Mercedes Benz dealership in Morristown, New Jersey. Powers Motor Company employed hundreds of people people during its 35 years, many of whom Powers remained in contact with after his retirement. Mr. Powers was a lifelong golf enthusiast and model airplane buff. As a 30 year member of Roxciticus Golf Club, Mr. Powers loved to take his grandchildren to play golf. While in Florida, he loved a hot, grouper sandwich with an ice cold beer. He would often wear a pink shirt or tie for his granddaughters, who loved seeing him in their favorite color. He adored each of his children and grandchildren dearly and still greeted his wife with a kiss every morning. Loving and supportive father of Michael Powers of Landing, New Jersey, Karen Blanc of Chester, New Jersey, and Tracy Paul of Bernardsville, New Jersey. Mr. Powers was also very close to sons-in-law Didier Blanc and Andrew Paul. He was a proud grandfather to Brian, Matthew and Kevin Powers; Daniel, Annie and Luke Blanc; and Grace and Margaret Paul. He was Godfather to David John Kertesz of Mendham, New Jersey. He is survived by his brother Tom Powers of Branchville, New Jersey but predeceased by his sister Louise Kelly of Chesterfield, New Hampshire and brother William Powers of Atlanta, Georgia. He was known as Uncle Mickey to his numerous nieces and nephews that he loved greatly, especially the Kertesz children, the Powers girls and T.J., and his sisters children. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015,10:00am at St Bernards Episcopal Church in Bernardsville. Internment will follow at St. Bernards Cemetery, Berndardsville. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Arthritis Foundation by going to www.arthritis.org. For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle please visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com